Permitting and Inspecting Activities Related to Wells and Septic Systems

The Environmental Health Division of the Will County Health Department is responsible for permitting, inspecting and monitoring private and, semi-private and non-community water wells throughout the county. No well under the jurisdiction of the WCHD can be drilled, modified or deepened without receiving a permit from the department. Acting as the authorized agent for IDPH, the division also performs soil and site evaluations to determine soil suitability for the installation of private sewage disposal systems. Septic permits are issued and staff conducts inspections of all new or repaired septic systems to ensure that they have been installed and maintained according to the appropriate state and county regulations.

The purpose of disinfecting a dug or drilled well is to destroy all disease causing microorganisms (pathogens) that may be present in the well. If after testing the analysis indicates that your well water is unsatisfactory for drinking or cooking, the following procedure should be used to restore water quality:

Permitting and Inspecting Activities Related to Septic Systems

The Environmental Health Division is the authorized agent for IDPH to conduct all private sewage activities in Will County. The primary goal of the Sewage Disposal Program is to prevent the transmission of disease caused by exposure to sewage.

Supervising and Inspecting Water Wells

The Environmental Health Division of the Will County Health Department has broad responsibility over the permitting, regulating and supervising of private, semi-private and non-community water wells in the county.

Answers to Common Well and Septic Questions

How do I know if I have a well?

If you live in a rural or unincorporated area of the county and do not receive a water bill, you most likely have your own private well. If the well is not visible, if may be buried in a pit, underground, or under/in the house or basement. If you are connected to the municipal water supply, contact your municipality or the Illinois EPA for any water questions.

What if I am buying or selling a home that is on well and/or septic?

If you are buying or selling a home, we offer a service to conduct a well and septic survey of the home. The well and septic survey will give you a better idea of where the well and septic is located, how it works, and if it is working. If you would like to conduct a well and septic survey, it is only $175.00 and you can start the request form (link attached below).

How to File a Complaint with the Will County Health Department Environmental Health Division

The Will County Health Department Environmental Division processes complaints from the public involving food establishments (whether it be food borne or non-food borne issues), swimming and body art facilities and problem with sewage and wells.